Domestic Fuel

The media was treated to a biodiesel plant tour today at Direct Fuels Biodiesel in Euless, TX. It was a very comprehensive tour that included the facilities and learning about their process and even how they test for quality. Jacob McClernon, Quality Assurance Specialist showed us their cold soak filtration test.

We also heard from Mark Farrer, Director Biodiesel Operations. He gave us a very thorough description of their process and I recorded a portion of it for you to listen to. There are photos from the tour in our photo album which you can access from the link below.

You can listen to Mark’s comments below.

National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (3.6MB)

If you want to talk to a cheerleader for biodiesel then you need to meet Ramiro Lopez, Direct of Intergovernmental Services, Irvine, TX. He’s in charge of fleets and fuels and he was our guide today when we went to the media ride and drive and biodiesel plant tour.

Ramiro says that in Irvine he’s implemented a program to utilize biodiesel in their equipment. He is very big on tank maintenance and quality. He says it has allowed them to green their fleet overnight and save some money in the process.

You can listen to my interview with Ramiro below.

National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (997.3KB)

AAA has already made up its mind about increasing amount of ethanol allowed in gasoline to 15 percent, but they want to know what you think.

The headline for an article posted by the automotive organization last week reads “Bailout Blend: Bad for Your Engine?” and proceeds to bash ethanol as being bad for consumers.

“How would you feel about a fuel additive that could cost you more money and screw up your engine? If the ethanol industry has its way, that’s just what you might get,” they begin, calling an increase to E15 “a bailout for the ethanol industry that may come at the expense of drivers.”

At the end of the one-sided article, AAA asks for your opinion. “Do you think adding E15 to the nation’s fuel supply is a good idea? Log onto AAA.com/Poll and take our poll.” Not surprisingly, the poll is running two to one against E15. Maybe it’s because the article doesn’t say anything about the EPA findings that ethanol is better than conventional gasoline when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, reducing them by at least 20 percent. AAA says, “Producing ethanol is an energy-intensive process that still results in greenhouse-gas emissions. It won’t save the planet as it still produces pollutants.” It may not save the planet, but it can help cut greenhouse gas emissions by cutting at least some of our gasoline use.

As far as engine issues and mileage concerns, Brazil runs up to 25% ethanol in its cars with no problems, and they consider energy independence to be more important than a few less miles to the gallon.

*post update*
If the link to the poll in the post doesn’t work, try the link in the AAA article. Apparently after you vote, you can’t go back to that link at all, so I can’t get the poll link to add to this post.

During today’s media ride and drive event I got to ride in a new Chevy truck that was fueled with B20 from Classic Clean Fuels. My driver was National Biodiesel Board Vice Chairman Gary Haer, Renewable Energy Group. Also along for the ride was Senior Communications Adviser for NBB, Jenna Higgins Rose. So ride along with us and hear about what’s new from GM in the future.

National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

It has been a busy day here at the start of the National Biodiesel Conference. After getting these posts done I’ll be heading over to the Super Bowl Reception but should have more up later this evening and tomorrow morning.

Another vehicle manufacturer was on hand this morning at our Classic Clean Fuels media event. Ford was represented by Brien Fulton.

He was showing off the new badge they’re putting on 2011 model Super Duty pickups. This is what it looks like. Very classy, eh? Brien says the engines in these trucks will be fully capable of running on B20.

You can download (mp3 file) or listen to Brien’s announcement here: nbc-10-ford-announce.mp3

You can also download (mp3 file) or listen to a short interview I did with Brien here: nbc-10-fulton.mp3

National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

The media got to hear from Craig Eppling, Regional Communications Manager for GM this morning. He spoke at the ride and drive event which took place at Classic Clean Fuels in Grapevine. It was a brisk morning but we got through the program before some sprinkles hit the area. Afterward we toured Direct Fuels biodiesel plant and I’ll have more on that later.

Craig announced that 2011 models of their heavy duty trucks and cargo vans will be B20 compliant.

They’ll be displayed first at an upcoming auto show.

You can download (mp3 file) or listen to Craig’s announcement here: nbc-10-gm-announce.mp3

You can also download (mp3 file) or listen to a short interview I did with Craig here: nbc-10-eppling.mp3

National Biodiesel Conference Photo Album

Hello from Grapevine, TX at the start opening day of the 2010 Conference. This morning members of the media (including yours truly) will partake in a ride and drive to see this year’s line-up of new 2010 and 2011 clean diesel vehicles powered by biodiesel blends. We’ll be doing that at Classic Clean Fuels, a nearby fueling station selling alternative fuels.

Then we’ll be off to a tour of Direct Fuels Biodiesel Plant. I’ll be taking photos and doing interviews to post here for you as soon as I can. I’ll also be posting onto the National Biodiesel Conference Blog for the 5th year. That will be my main posting location but I’ll be including stories for you here as well.

This afternoon we’ll be partying Super Bowl/Biodiesel style so go team (insert your favorite).

Pearson Fuels will not be receiving funding that they were awarded late last year. As first reported in the L.A. Times, the Southern California Association of Governments turned down the funding in which they applied, because they believe that corn-based ethanol causes more harm than good for the environment after being transported from the midwest. Also, the grant process was reportedly not followed correctly.

“We’re saying no to money from Washington,” said Thomas Buckley, a Lake Elsinore representative. “It probably doesn’t happen too often.”

Paul Wuebben, a clean fuels officer for the South Coast Air Quality Management District, urged the council to accept the dollars. Ethanol is not perfect, he said, but its wider use would reduce dependence on gasoline and remove pollutants from the air. He also called the panel’s decision a “major lost opportunity for the region.”

Wuebben attempted to sway the panel to reconsider along with Mike Lewis with Pearson Fuels, “It would have created 221 jobs. Dependence on foreign oil is the result of 1,000 little decisions and a few big decisions. This was a big decision.”

“We agree to reduce dependence on foreign oil,” said Keith Millhouse, a Moorpark representative and chairman of the Metrolink governing board. “This methodology, while well intended, is a bad way to go.”

The mission of Harness Nature (HN) is to design, market, install, and service renewable, sustainable, alternative energy sources in the Midwest, which is why they were exhibiting at the Iowa Power Farming Show this week in Des Moines.

“We’re a renewable energy company based out of Des Moines,” says Harness Nature Team member Randy Skeie, pictured here on the left with HN owner Dan Broderick on right. “Most of our focus here in Iowa is on wind because it’s an abundant resource.”

Skeie says wind energy is growing in the Midwest. “Iowa is currently number two in terms of wind production in the nation, behind Texas, so we’re a leader in that regard,” he said.

Harness Nature works with homeowners, farmers and businesses to help them incorporate renewable energy sources and Skeie says there are incentives and stimulus dollars available to do that.

Listen to or download Chuck Zimmerman’s interview with Randy Skeie from the Iowa Power Farming Show.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (2.1MB)

After my presentations tomorrow at the Chicago Farmers Farmland Investment Fair I’ll be off to Dallas for the National Biodiesel Conference and I’ll be the Biodiesel Blogger for the 5th year!

I’d like to thank New Holland for their sponsorship of the National Biodiesel Conference Blog this year and their support for the biodiesel industry.

You can subscribe to the Biodiesel Conference Blog using the RSS Feed Link. We’ll also be podcasting our audio interviews again and that subscription link is here.

In addition to my posts on the NBC Blog I’ll also be posting onto our AgWired.com website and right here on Domestic Fuel.

About 2,000 Utahns who need good jobs will get some training in fields looking to hire: alternative fuels, renewable energy, wind, solar and geothermal power.

The Deseret News reports that a $4.6 million stimulus bucks grant will pay for training for displaced workers, disadvantaged youths and veterans:

“We’re still working out some of the details,” department spokesman Curt Stewart said Wednesday. “But we have formed a coalition” to settle details on what will be free tuition for workers training for specific types of jobs related primarily to emerging energy industries.

The Southwest Technology Center will have 100 slots focused on working with wind, solar and geothermal power, Stewart said.

This State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grant is part of the $440 million in stimulus grants nationwide.

Red might be the color of Valentine’s Day, but green is the attitude for the movie “Valentine’s Day.”

The new Ashton Kutcher movie “Valentine’s Day” opens Feb. 12, and this story from USA Today says that Kutcher, who plays a florist in the movie, told Mother Nature Network’s Ecollywood that they had a green set:

There was a lot of dedication on this movie to using solar panels and clean energy and recycling. The fact that the movie was shot in L.A. actually made that easier to make happen. I think that every opportunity we have in our industry to make what we’re doing a more environmentally conscious effort is a good thing.

The article goes on to say that this isn’t the first time Hollywood has chosen a green path. The Fox-TV drama “24″ uses biodiesel-fueled generators and hybrid vehicles.

A 5 percent biodiesel mandate in Iowa is a bit closer to a reality.

This story from the Des Moines Register says the bill that would require all biodiesel sold in the Iowa contain at least 5 percent biodiesel passed a state legislative subcommittee … but not without some fiesty debate:

“The hog producers in this state are being ravaged right now, but we’re not in here mandating eating bacon,” [Republican Erik Helland of Grimes] said.

Biodiesel has lagged behind ethanol in usage because unlike ethanol, it has never had a federal mandate. Truckers and gasoline retailers also have opposed the mandate.

The B5 bill passed the Iowa State Senate last year but didn’t advance in the House. Let’s hope for the best this year.

A group that tracks fuel use in the state of Minnesota is reporting that state vehicles used 25% more E85 in 2009 than in 2008. According to the American Lung Association of Minnesota (ALAMN), the SmartFleet Committee estimates the 2,500 flexible fuel vehicles used 816,568 gallons of E85 in 2009, up from 650,036 gallons used in 2008.

In September 2004, Governor Tim Pawlenty signed Executive Order 04-10 which states that state vehicles use less petroluem based fuels and look for alternatives. Under this order, the SmartFleet Committee was formed, consisting of representatives designated by the commissioners of the Pollution Control Agency, Department of Agriculture and Department of Commerce among others to ensure effective and efficient state participation under this order.

According to SmartFleet’s recent report, E85 accounted for 15 percent of the total fuel used in 2009 by the state’s light duty vehicles. The state’s Higher Education office topped all other agencies with nearly 79 percent use of cleaner-burning E85. Other top agency users of E85 included Agriculture, the Governor’s Office, Mediation Services and Revenue.

“I am pleased to see steady progress again this year,” said Kelly Marczak, director for the American Lung Association in Minnesota’s clean fuel and vehicle technologies program and a member of the SmartFleet Committee. “The state’s use of E85 in 2009 prevented more than 3,250 tons of lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions and harmful pollutants from entering our air.”

Minnesota hosts more than 350 E85 fueling stations– more than any other state.

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency confirmed in its expanded rules of implementation for the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), that ethanol made from sugarcane is considered an advanced biofuel that lowers greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by more than 50 percent. Specifically, EPA’s calculations show that sugarcane ethanol from Brazil reduces GHG emissions compared to gasoline by 61%, using a 30-year payback for indirect land use change (ILUC) emissions.

“The EPA’s decision underscores the many environmental benefits of sugarcane ethanol and reaffirms how this low carbon, advanced renewable fuel can help the world mitigate against climate change while diversifying America’s energy resources,” said Joel Velasco, Chief Representative in Washington for the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA).

Brazil is the second largest ethanol producer in the world, behind the U.S., and the largest producer of ethanol made from sugarcane. Sugarcane ethanol, when compared to most types of ethanol produced today, yields less CO2 and can be less expensive for drives to purchase at the pump, this according to UNICA. The organization also says that “many observers point to sugarcane ethanol as a good option for diversifying U.S. energy supplies, increasing healthy competition among biofuel manufacturers and improving America’s energy security.”

A recent study in the November 2009 edition of the journal Energy Policy indicated that since 1975, over 600 million tons of CO2 emissions have been avoided thanks to the use of ethanol in Brazil.

“We are pleased that EPA took the time to improve the regulations, particularly by more accurately quantifying the full lifecycle greenhouse emission reductions of biofuels. EPA’s reaffirmation of sugarcane ethanol’s superior GHG reduction confirms that sustainably-produced biofuels can play a important role in climate mitigation. Perhaps this recognition will sway those who have sought to raise trade barriers against clean energy here in the U.S. and around the world. Sugarcane ethanol is a first generation biofuel with third generation performance,” said Velasco.

UNICA concluded by congratulating the administration for its “transparency and scientific integrity in the environmental rulemaking,” and encouraged other governments around the world to “take note of the manner that EPA has handled this process.”